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23 Things Nobody Tells You About Labour

When it comes to talking about childbirth, women who’ve been there done that usually fall into two camps.

There's the ones who love to relay the horror stories, and the ones who suddenly go coy. Thankfully, you have us to give it to you straight…

1. You might never see a “bloody show.” Most books rate this as a huge telltale sign that labour is imminent, but not everyone will lose the mucus plug (or notice it) before everything kicks off. Thankfully.

2. It’s hard to pinpoint when labour actually starts. There’s no alarm to herald the beginning of contractions; instead there are cramps and plenty of wondering: “Is this it?” which can go on for days. Yes, days.

3. There’s no way to predict the pain. It really depends on the woman, but it helps to know exactly what your body is doing and to practice breathing or visualisation exercises.

4. Your waters probably won’t break when you’re in the supermarket. In fact, that only happens about 15 per cent of women. For everyone else, it happens as labour progresses.

5. There’s no rush to get to the hospital. Seriously, unless you have a history of quick births, you can take your time getting ready to leave. If you arrive in the early stages of labour, you may even be sent home. Nobody wants that.

6. You’ll probably be as excited as you are nervous. Not many women actively look forward to childbirth, but after nine months of waiting, those contractions will probably have you giddy more than scared.

7. It’s best not to text everyone in your phonebook to say things are moving. If you do, prepare to be hounded for the coming hours. Unless you fancy answering texts between contractions?

8. Trusting your body, and the process, will make things easier. Work with it, not against it.

9. If you fancy an epidural, ask for it sooner rather than later. Depending on how busy the anesthesiologist is, they might not be able to fit you in.

10. You might puke. It’s your body’s reaction to the pain, just go with it.

11. Things can sometimes slow down, or even go backwards. You may have to work to keep labour progressing.

12. You and the baby will be monitored constantly. It can be reassuring, but also annoying when you want to move around.

About the Author

Sarah Breen is a freelance journalist and mother to two-year-old India. She likes cheese, pedicures and trying to convince other parents to use cloth nappies. Her dream dinner party guests are Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling and Noel Gallagher.